Chronic Pain Treatment

by Diana Diaz

The night seems endless but morning has finally come. You don't welcome the day because you know the misery it holds. You have another appointment with a new doctor. That means you'll have to tell your story all over again and see that look in the doctor's eye. You will tell the doctor that the chronic pain you feel is unbearable and that you're tired of the constant pain. You're afraid you will once again get pablum instead of real chronic pain treatment.

You're tired of the waiting, the disbelief, the loneliness, the numerous medications and the endless appointments. Maybe you've already given up seeing doctors and have finally resolved yourself to the fact that nothing can be done. Maybe you've been told that you're fine and the pain is only psychological. Now you feel stupid as well.

Despair fills the hours of your day and that nagging pain that just will not go away. There are fleeting moments when you're pain free but that is only a horrible tease of what could be - or might have been if somebody only believed enough to find an answer.

Well, I'm here to tell you that there is no need for you to suffer. There is no need to feel uncomfortable or defeated.

First, you need to believe in yourself. Medicine is not an absolute and there are many things that doctors do not know. Doctors are also human with human limitations and faults like ordinary people. Too many times, doctors are arrogant, or we place them on a pedestal and believe every word, even if it burns a hole into our hearts.

No one is infallible and therefore no doctor is right all the time. If you are in pain, it is the body's way of telling you that something is wrong. I believe that there is no need for people to suffer needlessly.

Do not be afraid to go for a second, third, even fourth and fifth opinion. Find a doctor that believes in you and is willing to go the extra mile to find out what is causing your pain or find remedies to ease it. The more you go out there and talk to people, the sooner you will find that doctor.

There is such a thing as psychological pain, but most people know the difference, especially a sufferer of chronic pain. You need to be up front with the doctor that you want results that you will not accept psychological pain as an excuse.

Do not immediately except pain medication as an answer either. Addiction to pain medication is at an all time high. Don't let yourself unwittingly fall into that trap.

Pain medication can give you very undesirable side effects, like loss of memory, confusion, stomach pain, drowsiness, weight gain. It can be very difficult to stop. After after disguising your pain for a while, it can actually be the source of your pain. When you do stop, it will most likely give you weeks of rebound pain. It's very tricky.

Bottom line, pain medication will not fix your chronic pain. Many doctors will offer it to you in an effort to quiet you and send you on your way. Think about it carefully, and only then make the right choice for yourself.

Most importantly, start a written document that lists in bullet points all of your medical history. List every age, and every illness/ surgery and treatment. This can take you a few weeks to finalize. Include a list and attach documentation of all your tests because what one doctor missed, another will see.

Do research on the tests you are taking, the medication you are receiving and the conditions the doctors say you have or might have. That way no one can pull the wool over your eyes, so to speak. Knowing what's happening with your body makes you feel a little more in control. You won't feel so helpless. Give suggestions to the doctors. Ask plenty of questions, it's your right.

When they try to dismiss your concerns with vague statements like, "Oh, we have a few tricks to deal with that" ask them exactly what their little tricks are, before you agree to undergo a procedure. All too many people have found themselves mid-procedure, and their doctor's "tricks" fail to work. Then what? More pain...that's what.

Know what you're getting into. If you think you have pain today, consider the fact that tomorrow, after that procedure, your pain could be significantly worse. None of us have experienced it all. We can never know how bad it can get. Whatever you have, it can always be worse.

Finally, persevere. I know it gets tiring going from appointment to appointment, taking test after test, being disabled year after year. There will be an end, a light shining through. Most certainly, if there isn't one big shining light, there are many little lights, and put together, they can be enough to make your life worth living. At times, you might find your life quite enjoyable, no matter how many times you thought you have had your limit.

Don't be ashamed of the depression you are going through. Don't let anyone reduce your feelings, desires or pain. They might not know what you're going through but that gives them no excuse to ignore your needs, discount or dismiss you.

Don't be afraid to cry. It's the body's way of cleansing your soul. Tears actually contain negative-feeling chemicals that are released from your tears ducts. The body is a marvelous creation, when we let it function without interfering with pride.

Seek a consoling ear. Everyone needs someone else to talk to. If you don't have a family member or friend, find a counselor or a support group. You do not need to face this alone as so many sufferers do.

You might feel like no one believes you. Maybe your family and friends mock your so-called pain. Maybe they tease you for your frequent doctor visits and tests. Put a stop to it immediately. Be firm. When they see your determination and strength, they will support you.

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About the Author:

Diana Diaz has majored in wildlife biology and has completed paramedic training. Diana is a freelance writer for various magazines and a writer for Eye On the Web, writing on medical issues. She can be reached at: (505)867-5590.